Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes
Crisp-skinned salmon fillets topped with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh dill, finished with a light lemon glaze. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp dill
- 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb salmon fillets dry and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until cooked through.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes begin to burst.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and place on a plate. Stir 2 tbsp fresh dill and juice of 1 lemon into tomato mixture. Spoon sauce over salmon and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the simplicity and the flavors. My husband even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
I've made this twice this week. The Whole30 compliance is perfect and the Mediterranean flavors are amazing.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my family! The salmon was perfectly cooked and the cherry tomatoes added a sweet burst of flavor.
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